I do not dispute the value of stricter fasting and abstinence requirements in the Eastern churches or among non-Christian traditions. And many faithful Catholics would agree with you that the rules of the Latin Catholic church for abstinence and fasting are so easy as to be stripped of value. There is a legitimate argument to be made that a stricter observance would be spiritually beneficial.
But I think it a mistake to underestimate the value of the current discipline of the Latin church. By making the rules as gentle as possible, the Church invites as many Catholics as possible to participate in the discipline of the days of abstinence and/or fast. Those who can do more without damage to their health and well-being are free to do so, while those whose health does not permit a rigorous abstinence/fasting discipline are not excluded from joining in the penance of Catholics around the world.
I have found for myself that if both the law and the spirit of the day are observed, it is possible to experience the self-denial the current disciplines of abstinence and fasting set by the Church are meant to invoke. I can only recommend to those who feel called to more rigorous disciplines that they work with their doctor and a balanced, orthodox spiritual director to design an appropriate plan for themselves, but leave it to the Church to determine what is appropriate for the flock as a whole.
